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The two southernmost countries in South America, Chile and Argentina, differ from other destinations on the same continent in several ways. They both host a high number of citizens with European heritages, have a more temperate climate than northern countries, and enjoy full seasonal changes, especially in the southern regions. Both of these countries offer a variety of destinations and itineraries for vacationers.

The Argentine Wine Country

Central Argentina is home to the biggest wine producing region in South America, known as the Cuyo and centered around the towns of Mendoza, San Luis and San Juan. Mendoza, the largest and most cosmopolitan of the three, offers visitors a wide range of accommodation options and a central historic core boasting cafe- and restaurant-lined streets, where the region's finest wines are available for sampling. Not only do a high number of vineyard tour agencies base themselves in Mendoza, but the city is also the jumping off point for hiking, rafting and skiing excursions into the nearby Andes Mountains.

The Lake District of Chile

One of the most naturally and culturally diverse areas in Chile, the Lake District features alpine mountains and lush valleys that are home to indigenous Mapuche peoples in the north and enclaves of German immigrants in the south. Lago Calufquen is the areas crown jewel with black sand beaches and spa resorts ringing its shores. Conguillio National Park, located in the northern part of the Lake District, is a Unesco World Heritage Site that was created to preserve the Monkey Puzzle tree and hosts canyons, forests and active volcanoes.

Buenos Aires

A city of Parisian-style architecture, sultry tango clubs and jam-packed steak houses, Buenos Aires is one of the world's most dynamic metropolises. The upscale neighborhoods of San Telmo and Palermo are loaded with sidewalk cafes and boutique clothing stores, many selling high quality Argentine leather products. At night, the city really comes alive, with most clubs pumping the music until the sun comes up. The colorful middle class neighborhood of Boca is ground zero for tango on the street, and Broadway musical quality tango shows take place during the weekends at locations all over the city.

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About the Author

Based in San Francisco, Ocean Malandra is a travel writer, author and documentary filmmaker. He runs a major San Francisco travel website, is widely published in both online and print publications and has contributed to several travel guidebooks to South America.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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